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Adriano hopes to restore reputation by returning to Serie A with Roma
• Adriano says a deal with Roma is '90%' complete
• 'More than money, my reason for going there is pride'

www.guardian.co.uk – Friday 28 May 2010 12.49 BST

Adriano is looking to repair his battered image by returning to Serie A with Roma this summer. The Brazil international was once considered one of the best players in the world while on the books of Internazionale but his love of the nightlife combined with personal problems and injuries saw him return home to Brazil, where he played for Flamengo. The 28-year-old striker is now expected to return to Europe, with Roma close to landing the player, who is a free agent.

"There is no place like Italy where I can truly prove that I have recovered," Adriano told Corriere dello Sport. "I thought about it long and hard and I'm happy to return to Italy. I want to cancel out what I did in Italy. I don't want to repeat the same things that happened before [at Inter]. I owe it to Italy.

"More than money, my reason for going to Roma is pride. I return to pay the debt I have with that country, that has always treated me very well and that I left on bad terms."

Adriano terminated his contract with Inter in April 2009 following a turbulent time at the club. During his very difficult last year in Italy, Inter stood by the player and granted him his wish to return home. Adriano rediscovered his goalscoring touch at Flamengo this season and is eager to show his talent back in Serie A.

"I leave Flamengo on amicable terms," he said. "I have been impressed by Roma's project, a club that for six months have been keen on acquiring my services."

The South American forward has confirmed negotiations with Roma are very advanced. "I am a Roma player 90%," he said. "I will talk to [Roma president] Rosella Sensi on 6 June to complete my transfer. I will come to Italy with my family and my son. I know I will have more responsibility and I am ready.

"I believe I can contribute to making Roma a great team which it has always been. "

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